Landlords and freeholders in England could be required to explain why they refuse tenants’ requests to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers under new government proposals. However, responsibility for removing the equipment when it is no longer needed remains unresolved.
A government consultation proposes introducing an ‘ability to charge’ for tenants and leaseholders. Under the plans, landlords and freeholders would need to consider requests promptly and avoid unreasonably refusing permission.
The proposals mainly concern properties with off-street parking. One suggested requirement is for landlords to provide a written decision within a set period, potentially 28 calendar days, although this timeframe has not yet been confirmed.
The consultation, published by the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, also considers whether voluntary guidance could achieve the same aims without introducing legal obligations.
Who would pay for an EV charger?
Under the proposals, tenants and leaseholders would generally be responsible for arranging and paying for the charger, installation work and any relevant permission fees.
However, the government is seeking feedback on who should cover ongoing expenses, including maintenance, use and eventual removal.
Before installation begins, both parties would need to agree on the conditions of the work and their respective responsibilities.
For landlords, the issue therefore extends beyond allowing charging equipment to be fitted. They may also need to establish who is responsible for maintaining it and dealing with its removal at the end of its useful life.
When could a landlord refuse a request?
The government recognises that there may be legitimate reasons for refusing an installation.
Potential grounds include conflicts with an existing lease agreement or legal obligations. Requests could also be rejected if the electricity network requires upgrades, the proposed installation fails to meet electrical safety standards or there is insufficient off-street parking space.
In blocks of flats, another possible reason for refusal is that the landlord or freeholder is already planning a charging scheme for the entire building.
The consultation also asks how disagreements between landlords and residents over charging requests should be resolved.
Freeholder permission may be necessary
Under the proposed process, tenants in privately rented properties would submit a written request to their landlord. If the landlord holds the property on a leasehold basis, they would generally be expected to forward the application to the freeholder.
However, some intermediate landlords may already have the authority to approve the required alterations themselves.
The government wants the proposals to accommodate different parking arrangements, including individually allocated spaces. It is also seeking views on the challenges associated with communal parking areas.
Earlier reporting by Property118 highlighted the government’s intention to consult on an ‘ability to charge’, alongside efforts to remove barriers preventing tenants and leaseholders from installing EV charging points. Grants have also been used to encourage installations.
The latest consultation explores how applications could be processed and where any new legal responsibilities might sit.
Government consultation remains open
Under the alternative guidance-only approach, landlords and freeholders would be encouraged to explain why they reject requests but would not be legally required to approve installations.
Introducing enforceable duties would require new primary legislation and parliamentary time.
For now, the consultation does not create any new obligation for landlords to accept requests to install EV chargers.
Landlords and other interested parties can submit their views through the government’s consultation survey by 11.59pm on 16 December.
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